2016 GOP Debate: Round 2 goes to Fiorina

 Everything about last night’s debate was interesting.  We finally saw the cracks beginning to form from inside the Trump egg since his fall off of the polls (thanks to the surge of Dr. Ben Carson). I just hope all the tea partiers and all the anti-government people can’t put Trump back together after last night’s dismal performance.

            On the other hand, how about Carly Fiorina’s performance? She did an amazing job and came to the debate well prepared - which I image is the same way she handled a meeting at HP. She not only went toe-to-toe with Trump, she also took on Christie for a few minutes. Fiorina is the new front-runner by the end of two weeks. While her message of getting right to work on the first day is ideal for a Republican (making calls to Israel & Iran and telling Iran where the United States stands), her business experience is not the best for her to cling to regarding qualifications. The main reason she ran Hewlett-Packard into the ground is because it was dealing with the powerhouses of Apple and Microsoft (at times). She will know what to do on day one, unlike Trump who will learn on the job, but it won’t be for the right reasons. I have much more to discuss about the debate from last night and I think the best way to discuss it is to focus on each candidate on the stage. Overall, I think by the end of  two weeks the polls will read as follow:

1) Fiorina 29%
2) Trump 23%

3) Carson 21%

4) Rubio 12%

5) Bush 5%

6) Kasich 4%

7) Paul 2%

8) Christie 1%

9) Cruz 1%

10) Huckabee 1%

11) Lindsey 1%

The next to drop out will probably be Bobby Jindal, Governor of Louisiana – by Halloween.

Update: My first percentages equaled 196% - I have revised them (What can I say, I'm not a math major haha)

The Final Push to Re-elect Barack Obama as President

Well, after a long election cycle, the end is almost here.  I know I’ve spent hours calling, hours canvassing, hours writing letters to editors, and hours convincing voters why they should vote to keep President Obama in office.  If you are still undecided, here are some of the reasons I voted for President Obama (and yes, voting is past tense because I live in North Carolina which is an early voting state):

1.     He saved the auto industry and also prevented another Great Depression;

2.     He has had 32 consecutive months of job growth (5.4 million of those new jobs were in the private sector);

3.     He eliminated dozens of Al Qaeda leaders including Osama Bin Laden;

4.     He Signed the Affordable Care Act with vastly improves the healthcare of all Americans, including those with pre-existing conditions, senior citizens, and women;

5.     He strongly supports women’s rights and has appointed two women to the United States Supreme Court…one of them being the first Hispanic on the court;

6.     He has lowered taxes for a majority of Americans and believes in the top percent to pair their fair share;

7.     He has ended the War in Iraq as well as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”;

8.     He has signed into law the Lily Ledbetter Act, which allows equal pay for women;

9.     He has ensured that student loan rates not double for millions of students across the country…he even increased Pell Grant spending;

10.  He is in support of Same-sex marriage as well as the Dream Act;

11.  He was opposed to the Arizona Law regarding immigration (and the U.S. Supreme Court agreed with him);

12.  He appointed a commission to protect consumers from wasteful fees;

13.  He supports the state of Israel;

14.  He has enhanced financial regulatory measures; and,

15.  He has unemployment under eight percent (8%).

I truly believe we are on the correct course and we need to make sure Barack Obama remains President of the United States. I think President Obama will win re-election by taking the following states – which will lead to him winning 309 out of 538 electoral votes:

Washington; Hawaii; Oregon; California; Nevada; New Mexico; Colorado; Kansas; Missouri; Iowa; Minnesota; Michigan; Wisconsin; Louisiana; Illinois; Maine; New Hampshire; Vermont; Massachusetts; New Jersey; Delaware; Maryland; NORTH CAROLINA; Connecticut; Rhode Island, and Ohio.

I think that the United States Senate will stay in the control of the Democrats.  In fact, I believe they will pick up three seats: one from Wisconsin, one from Maine, and one from Massachusetts.

I think the United States House of Representatives will return to the Democratic Majority as well, and Nancy Pelosi will get her gavel back.  I think wins in WA-1 (Suzan DelBene), NH-1 & -NH-2 (Carol Shea Porter & Ann Kuster), CA-35 (Dr. Raul Ruiz), NC-11 (Hayden Rogers), NC-10 (Patsy Keever), and many more will be great for the Democratic Party as well.

I am actually really proud of the state of New Hampshire because I believe they will make history and have an all-female delegation (Yes, I am endorsing Maggie Hassan if you didn’t already know)! I also think that Minnesota will vote No on Amendment 2 and Washington state will Approve of Referendum 74. I also think that Maryland will vote for question 6 and Maine will vote in favor of Same-sex marriage.

In less than twenty-four hours, we will (hopefully) know what the next four years will look like.  Will it be a road continuing to progress, or a road leading backwards?  I do hope it’s FORWARD and get FOUR MORE YEARS of PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA!!! Yes We Can, Sí se Puede!!

A Whirlwind of Pop Culture & Political Points

It’s been a few weeks since I’ve last posted an entry; and, I apologize for my laziness.  It seems that a lot has happened since then.  Allow me to recap:

1)      The Maine Caucuses were won by Mitt Romney;

2)      Colorado, Missouri, and Minnesota were won by Rick Santorum;

3)      Whitney Houston has died;

4)      Adele dominates the Grammy Awards;

5)      Rick Santorum is leading in at least two national polls;

6)      Glee keeps getting better;

7)      Newt Gingrich has not dropped out of the race;

8)      President Obama took a stand on Birth control & Contraceptives;

9)      The 136^th Westminster Kennel Club has it’s dog show in New York; and,

      10)   United States Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer was robbed by Machete.

Please note that these events are not in any particular order or level of importance.  In fact, they randomly are the ones that stood out the most to me.  I know for many of you are shocked and wondering why I did not mention “Budget Day” or its importance…I wanted to keep it short and I knew the budget should be respected and have its own blog entry.  I shall attempt to discuss every event I listed above without making random, sarcastic comments.  Yes, this will be hard to do but I assure you…it can be done!

Topic 1: The Maine Caucuses Were Won by Mitt Romney

The only thing I really have to say regarding this: Did anyone really think he would lose Maine?  Last I checked, it was in New England where Massachusetts is also located – not to mention New Hampshire.  I think the real story behind Maine is that Ron Paul did really well in the state.  Paul finishing second within a narrower-than-expected margin should have had the Romney campaign shaking just a tad.  I do think Paul’s “The revolution is just beginning” moment was certainly his “Opps” moment of the campaign.  When someone says revolution, the first thing that comes to minds is war; more specifically, the Civil War.  Granted the United States is somewhat divided – politically speaking – I hardly believe that a real revolution is happening because a GOP candidate got second place in a state that really has no significance to the race to become the Commander-In-Chief. I am not disrespecting Maine, its residents, or its political process; I am just stating that it is not all that important when it comes to Presidential politics.

Topic 2: Colorado, Missouri, and Minnesota Were Won by Rick Santorum

Honestly, just when the Romney Campaign thinks they have the nomination in their solid possession!  Seriously, the fact that Rick Santorum swept all three states speaks volumes!  For instance, Romney knew he would win Colorado.  That state alone dealt a huge blow to his campaign to be the GOP nominee.  By Santorum earning all of these states clearly demonstrates that Republicans are still not satisfied with any of the candidates from their party to beat the President.  On a side note, I am glad Santorum did not wear a sweater vest during his speech that night. I am a strong supporter of sweater vests – I own many and none of them are from Jos A Banks - but he should not wear them!  The thing for Santorum needs to do is maintain his momentum into Michigan & Arizona…and the debate on the twenty-second.

Topic 3: Whitney Houston has Died

What?  He is going to talk about something other than politics??? Yes, I am. The death of Whitney Houston was a shockwave through the musical community.  I was a fan of her while growing up.  I even remember sitting in from of the television watching her sing the national anthem back in 1991 (then going to my room because I didn’t want to watch the game).  She had an amazing career and I think I have downloaded at least five of her songs onto my iPhone since Saturday.  In fact, as I am writing this, her song “I’m Every Woman” popped up on the iTunes shuffle.  RIP Whitney Houston; you’ll be missed & we’ll always love you!

Topic 4: Adele Dominates the Grammy Awards

If you have never heard of Adele, you need to find a song of hers and listen to it! I would recommend starting with “Rolling in the Deep” because her vocals are amazing!  She is my favorite artist right now and she deserved every one of those Grammy’s.  She is similar to Norah Jones. I think I heard someone compare her to Reba…only way better (and I politely told them off for such remarks)!  She is just an amazing singer and her music is pure.  Every time I listen to her songs, I get a chill or something.  She just has that affect.  I love her and I definitely recommend her! I think my favorite song of hers is “Rumor Has It” or “Turning Tables”…I really can’t decide! (Turning Tables is currently playing on my iPhone, haha!) Also, “Rolling in the Deep” is a great Runway song, haha!

Topic 5: Rick Santorum is Leading in at Least Two National Polls

Yep, you read that right! The former Pennsylvania Senator is leading in both the Pew Public Policy and I think Gallup. A couple of things about these polls: he is within the margin of error so essentially he can Romney are tied and one of them was released before the Michigan poll which has Santorum leading in every county except……I want to say Cumberland but I know that’s wrong……Lincoln?  Anyway, it’s the county that has the Chrysler museum and is home to GM. Needless to say, Santorum is leading in 82/83 of Michigan’s counties.  In case anyone missed this: Mitt Romney was born in Michigan!  If he loses his actual home state, that would be really bad for his campaign.  The other state nobody is really paying attention to, although they should, is Arizona. The main thing to look for is turnout.  Even Arizona Senator John McCain mentioned that if Republicans don’t lighten up on the Hispanic vote they will lose that voting bloc all together.  Regarding the debate, let’s see how the candidates will jump around immigration or other issues important to Hispanic voters (like the Dream Act, Arizona’s state law seventy-seven, a fence on the border, Governor Jan Brewer in general, Alabama’s educational flaws towards Hispanic children, Puerto Rico statehood – a real answer this time instead of “kick the can down the road” answer, etc). By the way, the only county in Michigan that Romney is leading Santorum: Oakland (It finally came to me).

Topic 6: Glee Keeps Getting Better

Everyone knows I love Glee. This is the best show on Fox (well, I do like the Voice as well but that’s beside the point).  I follow a majority of the Glee cast on Twitter and I definitely have favorites.  I do like the new villain, Sebastian the lead Warbler from Dalton Academy. I still love the Kurt/Blaine relationship and how strong that remains.  I really have not liked Quinn’s character the past few weeks. She just seems to be there and I really just find her to be annoying now.  I really am torn between the “Finn proposal” because I think that you don’t have to resort to marriage if you get rejected from a college.  I know college is not for everyone…neither is marriage….but I really didn’t like the message that sent to viewers - “kids, if you don’t get into college then good news: you can get married”!  I think in the end Mercedes will not choose Sam (but I hope not).

Topic 7: Newt Gingrich Has Not Dropped Out Of the Race

The only thing I will say about this is that I predict he will drop out after Super Tuesday.  I can’t stand him and I don’t want to give him any more consideration than I have too. He should have already conceded but he is stubborn and angry.

Topic 8: President Obama Took a Stand on Birth Control & Contraceptives

This week, President Obama reaffirmed his position regarding women’s rights and the Affordable Care Act which was passed into law – thank goodness!  I don’t fully understand why the 2012 election is going to be geared towards social issues instead of economic ones.  If we fail to acknowledge economic woes – and yes this is directed towards Republicans – then we will be heading down the same road that Greece and Portugal are going down at the current moment. The moral: Straighten up, get your head out of the sand, and work with the President on these pressing issues! Worry about your jobs later!

Topic 9: The 136^th Westminster Kennel Club is Having It’s Dog Show in New York

I love this annual event! I love dogs and I always get to see my favorite dog which is the national dog of Finland: the Finish Spitz.  I have three yellow labs (two are mixed with retriever and the third is beagle I do believe).  They are awesome family members and I love them!  It’s funny because we watch the Dog Show together and my dog, Bridgett, always growls because she thinks they are coming towards me. She is so protective, haha!  I really want the Pekingese to win this year! Finally,

 Topic 10: U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer was Robbed by Machete at His Home

First of all, this story is a week old. Second, where was the Secret Service??? All Supreme Court Justices receive Secret Service Protect so did they have the day off?  The third thing is that it was a machete.  Did someone not have a golf club or a vase to just throw at the robber? I mean, come on people!

I figured I mixed up the topics instead of categorizing them by subject (yes I do that and be very glad I didn’t this time even though it is bothering me).  I figured the pop culture gave you a break from the political stuff and allowed you to keep reading. By the way, I’m officially a quarter-of-a-century old. I don’t feel like it and it happened last Wednesday.

The Southern Showdown in Politics

          Well what a night in the Palmetto State!  I, among others, did not see the results turn out quite like that; at least nobody predicted the events to unfold like they did.  Okay, so let's get to the results:

                                 South Carolina 2012 GOP Presidential Primary Results

                                 1st Place - Newt Gingrich 40%  (243,153 votes)
                                 2nd Place - Mitt Romney 28% (167,279 votes)
                                 3rd Place - Rick Santorum 17% (102,055 votes)
                                 4th Place - Ron Paul 13% (77,993 votes)

                              Also, my predictions for South Carolina were as followed:

                                 1st Place - Romney 33%
                                 2nd Place - Gingrich 31%
                                 3rd Place - Santorum 19 %
                                 4th Place - Paul 17%                                     

          Looking back at the results from the South Carolina primary, I knew a few things would happen: Santorum would do better than Paul; Santorum would get close to 19%; Gingrich would get over 30% (haha); and, nobody would drop out of the race to become the party's nominee. The main thing to take away from South Carolina is the win of Newt Gingrich and how he pulled an upset over Mitt Romney.
          The overwhelming observation - in addition to winning - is the percentage in which Newt Gingrich won in South Carolina over the "establishment candidate" as coined by the Speaker himself.  It is very reminiscent of McCain's 17% win over Romney back in 2008 (remember that Romney finished a distant fourth place only earning 15% of the votes cast). While Gingrich's lead was not as high as McCain's, it still proves that South Carolina does not like Mitt Romney on multiple positions ranging from his faith, his "elite style of living", and his attitude.  I guess in the eyes of "conservative South Carolinian's", being a Mormon is worse than an adulterer and they can't recognize one greedy corrupt politician from another. I don't know if that's ironic or not...but it is funny never-the-less.  Even Gingrich's "victory" speech was in his usual arrogant, flat, professor-lecturing-for-hours-because-he-has-tenure voice.  The rhetoric of "Obama is the worst president" and "Obama has a poor job performance" is just outrageous and insulting.
          If Newt actually believes he is going to earn the GOP nomination, then he is sadly mistaken! I find it hard to believe that Gingrich will be able to convince the GOP that he can challenge the President in November...and win.  With many of his former colleagues against him, at least one ex-wife, and two different states (Iowa and New Hampshire), he has a long shot of winning the nomination.  Even prominent Republicans like Senator Tom Coburn - Oklahoma, and Chris Christie - governor from New Jersey, think he is not fit to be the GOP nominee (I even forgot to mention Ron Paul - congressman from Texas - and Rick Santorum - former senator from Pennsylvania, haha).  the fact that the Republican Party is split between the old republicans and the new extreme republicans is just a sad thing.  They have no viable candidate to even attempt to challenge the President in November.  I even heard one conservative commentator today discuss the possibility of delegates to the Republican National Convention being split on who the nominee should even be! I guess time will tell and I think 2012 will be the year that all states, not just the first four or five states, will have a chance to have their voice heard regarding who should be on the ballot in November.
          The next state the republican candidates will head to on the road to the nomination is indeed Florida.  This is the state that won the site for the Party National Convention for 2012 (the site is Tampa by the way).  From my understanding, Florida is more moderate than South Carolina (thanks to the northerners who moved down there) and I'm certain John McCain won the state with 36% of the vote back in 2008.  In fact, McCain beat Romney by just 5% back in 2008.  If McCain voters are still not warming up to Romney this year and they support Gingrich, then Newt may win the Sunshine State in addition to the Palmetto State.  I guess we'll have to watch the debate on Thursday night and see if Romney can rebound after his lose in South Carolina.
          On a positive note, President Obama will deliver his State of the Union Address on Tuesday night at 9.  Herman Cain will give the Tea Party response to the address and I don't know who will be giving the Republican response - but I image it will be a member from a swing state!